Internet addiction

Internet addiction

1. What is Internet addiction?
2. Prognosis of the disease
3. Symptoms of internet addiction
4. Medical tests for internet addiction
5. What are the causes of internet addiction?
6. Can internet addiction be prevented?
7. Treatments for internet addiction
8. What specialist treats it?

What is internet addiction?

Internet addiction is the inability to control impulses and refrain from using the Internet. Being an addiction, it affects other vital areas of the individual, such as relating to others or meeting their goals and objectives. There are three main reasons why a person becomes addicted to the Internet:

1. Cognitive preoccupation with internet access.
2. Social problems
3. Lack of self-control

Prognosis of the disease

Internet addiction, like any addiction, is a serious disorder that affects the patient in all aspects of his life. This problem must be treated from the first signs to stop it as soon as possible.

Symptoms of Internet addiction

Two types of symptoms can be distinguished, physical and emotional:

-Physical symptoms:

• Headache
• Dry eyes
• Carpal tunnel syndrome: altered movement or sensitivity in the middle of the hand.
• Weight change due to physical inactivity
• Insomnia

-Emotional symptoms:

• Repetitive thoughts about internet use
• Great happiness when using the internet
• Anxiety about not being able to use the Internet
• Isolation and loneliness
• Feelings of guilt for using the internet and not having done the intended activities

Medical tests for internet addiction

To detect whether a person suffers from internet addiction, a clinical psychological evaluation must be carried out, in which the professional collects data on the patient’s use of new technologies: internet, social networks, cell phones, tablets… The impact of these technologies on the patient’s life and the use he/she makes of them is also studied.

The clinical evaluation is completed with a study of the patient’s family environment and personality.

What are the causes of Internet addiction?

There is no single cause that explains Internet addiction. This addiction is due to a combination of factors:

• Neurological factors: it has been observed that the brain of people addicted to the internet suffers changes in the area of prioritization and planning, that is why they put using the internet before other tasks.
• Biological factors: people who suffer from internet addiction suffer from an imbalance of neurotransmitters, i.e. the chemicals used by the brain to communicate.
• Individual factors: people with relationship difficulties are more likely to become addicted to the Internet.

Can Internet addiction be prevented?

Internet addiction can be prevented by a responsible and conscious use of new technologies.

Treatments for Internet addiction

To overcome Internet addiction, psychological and personal learning aspects must be worked on:

• Learning to organize leisure time so as not to use the Internet as a refuge.
• Learn to manage anxiety and know how to be alone.

It can also be treated with drugs.

Which specialist treats it?

The specialist who treats Internet addiction is the expert in Psychology and Psychiatry.